The National Grid asked the United Kingdom power industry to ramp up electricity production after multiple energy plant breakdowns.
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It was the first such notice to be issued by National Grid since 2012; there were 10 in 2005 and eight in 2008.
But it insisted the move was not an indication there was an immediate risk of blackouts.
‘It indicates that we would like our power held in reserve to be higher, it said in a statement at lunchtime.
An additional 500 megawatts was requested between 16.30 and 18.30 yesterday evening (on Wednesday).
The reason for the request, known as a Notice of Inadequate Margin, was given as “multiple plant breakdowns”.
There have been a few concerns expressed that the United Kingdom could suffer from blackouts as a result of short supplies, brought about in large part from the closure of a number of power stations that have come to the end of their natural life.
The shortage has been blamed on gas and coal power stations which have stood idle for much of the summer being fired up to meet increased demand as the nights draw in.
“While the National Grid’s action may appear urgent, the extra capacity which the National Grid can call upon for normal peak demand exists and therefore unless there was a major incident, under normal conditions, power outages are unlikely this winter”.
But she said that plants and generators would typically experience a few technical problems re-connecting to the grid following shut downs for maintenance over the summer.
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But its Winter Outlook report last month said that without the measures it had put in place, spare capacity – the gap between generating capacity and peak demand – would plunge to just 1.2%.
